Education Programs

Lorraine Melchior Bursary Fund

Engage

Education is an essential investment in building lasting solutions to poverty. CUPS participants face many obstacles in their struggle to escape poverty, including low literacy levels and the lack of formal education. The Lorraine Melchior Bursary Fund is offered to select individuals who are committed to active participation in CUPS programming and to improving their lives.

Motivate

Established by generous corporate and private donations, the Bursary Fund honours CUPS’ former Executive Director (1994 – 2003), Lorraine Melchior. For many low-income individuals, tuition support can be found. However, expenses such as food, rent, child care and transportation are barriers to pursuing further education. The Bursary can be used towards such barriers. Applicants are guided towards programs that will provide solid employment opportunities.

Achieve

This year, 26 recipients were awarded an average bursary of $2,700. Bursary recipients worked towards their GED or academic upgrades, trade certificates, immigrant skills transfer and university degrees. Upgrading and training provides the skills for adults and their families to break the cycle of poverty and to move forward in a meaningful, productive and stable direction.